Glen Education Serrell Street
The Power of Kindness
By Faye Gao, Early Childhood Educator
To be safe, to belong, to be kind
Welcome to a wonderful new year at Glen Serrell Street Kindergarten! We are excited to introduce our new team and look forward to providing the best possible learning experiences for our children.
Our service goal this year is to create a space where every child feels safe, has a sense of belonging, and be kind.
At Glen Serrell Street Kindergarten, learning through play is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to equip children with lifelong skills that will help them grow into confident, active citizens.
A Sense of Belonging
Starting kindergarten can be an exciting yet challenging experience for children as they adjust to a new environment, meet new friends, and build relationships with educators. We are incredibly proud of how well the children have settled into their new routines.
For children attending an early childhood setting for the first time, our team provide plenty of care and support to help them feel safe and secure. For returning children, adjusting to new friendships after their peers have moved on to school can be a challenge. Our team gently guide and encourage them to build new friendships, fostering a strong sense of community within the kindergarten.
A sense of belonging is crucial for children’s well-being and development. When children feel accepted and secure, they gain confidence, express themselves creatively, and explore their learning environment with curiosity. (EYLF, 2023)
Creating self-portraits helped the children explore their identities and self-love, aligning with a key aspect of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in Australia.
Positive affirmations work like magic words, boosting happiness, confidence, and inner strength. It's like giving ourselves an encouraging pep talk, reminding us of how incredible we truly are!
A Safe Environment
All children have the right to a safe and nurturing learning environment—physically, emotionally, and socially. Our kindergarten follows clear policies to ensure every child’s well-being.
Children feel safe, secure, and supported to express themselves in our service. They trust our team to create a nurturing environment where their voices are heard, respected, and valued. Knowing they are in a safe space, children feel confident to speak up, share their thoughts, and actively participate, while we advocate for their voices and ensure they feel empowered.
Children are natural explorers, eager to take on new challenges. While we encourage risky play, we ensure that our environment provides a safe foundation for them to take risks, problem-solve, and learn in a secure setting. Through these experiences, children build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.
The Power of Kindness
Kindness is one of the most important values we can nurture in young children. Through guidance from educators and families, children learn to express empathy, build friendships, and treat others with respect and compassion.
"Your little act of kindness can mean so much to someone. They may have had a terrible day, and your kind words can soothe their daily struggle." – eventgreeting.com
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." – Dr. Seuss
By fostering kindness in our daily interactions, we create a warm and inclusive environment where children feel valued and supported.
Learning Through Play
Children are capable and competent learners, and play is their most natural way of discovering the world.
"Play provides opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise, and imagine. When children play with others, they form social connections, test out ideas, and challenge each other’s thinking. Play fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Through play, children express themselves and enjoy simply being."(EYLF,2023)
All our educators thoughtfully plan learning experiences based on the children's interests, using intentional teaching to extend their curiosity and skills. At ages 3-5, children absorb knowledge best when they are genuinely engaged in what they are learning, and we embrace every opportunity to inspire their love for discovery.
We look forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and fun at Glen Serrell Street Kindergarten!